Sexual and Gender Minority Cancer Research Methodology: Lessons from the Field

Cancer survivors from sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations (particularly those from multiple minoritized groups) face unique barriers. Existing evidence indicates that members of SGM populations have higher rates of certain cancers, and they experience worse physical and mental health after any cancer diagnosis. These outcomes have been attributed in part to treatment and survivorship care that fail to address SGM-specific considerations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) maintains a strong commitment to supporting health equity research aimed at addressing the mechanisms contributing to disparities across the cancer control continuum, including those experienced by SGM populations.

Several NCI Behavioral Research Program grantees presented findings and discussed important methodological issues in working with SGM communities and community partners.

Dr. Simon Rosser discussed recruitment and retention strategies across cancers and different parts of the SGM community, as well as effects of tailored online biopsychobehavioral interventions to address the needs of SGM cancer patients. Dr. Sarah MacCarthy reviewed a telephone-based intervention to encourage physical activity among individuals living in the Alabama Black Belt, an area of southern Alabama with a majority African-American/Black population, to reduce cancer rates, including effective recruitment strategies and next steps. Finally, Dr. Charles Kamen reviewed initial findings and lessons learned from an evidence-based intervention for cancer patients and their caregivers for researchers planning to adapt interventions for SGM populations affected by cancer.

This webinar is part of the BRP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Webinar Series, which aims to highlight research conducted or funded by NCI’s Behavioral Research Program focused on issues related to health disparities and health equity.